Estée Lauder Cosmetics Ltd., a Canadian subsidiary of The Estée Lauder Companies, announced the opening of its newly renovated Canadian Color Innovation Center in Markham, Ontario. After two years and $3 million spent to enhance the 28,000-sq-ft R&D and manufacturing facility, its cutting-edge laboratories will enable research scientists to develop new products in separate areas for specific brands. The center will also enable cosmetic chemists to produce up to 50 new cosmetic shades per month, while researching technological advances such as incorporating higher SPF protection into products and testing temperature change responses in makeup.

“Innovation is key to our company’s ongoing success, and this center will be integral in creating exciting and relevant products for our important makeup category,” says William P. Lauder, CEO, The Estée Lauder Companies.

To ensure its brands stay on-trend, The Estée Lauder Companies is also working with the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) and Durham College in Oshawa, Ontario, to implement the first-ever Canadian cosmetic sciences program. The scientists already employed by The Estée Lauder Companies will serve as professors, as well as guest lecturers, during the semester.